Lord Mayor John Lines said: “On behalf of the citizens of Birmingham our thoughts go out to the family of drummer Lee Rigby. It was a truly shocking attack.”

He added that a book of condolence would be placed in the Council House in Victoria Square, later today.

Birmingham Social Cohesion Forum and Birmingham Faith Round Table said the killing was “truly barbaric”.

A joint statement said: “Birmingham stands united in joining the nation in strongly condemning the abhorrent and brutal murder in Woolwich.

“The incident is a truly barbaric crime and has no place in any society.”

It went on: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. We extend our sympathy to members of the armed forces at this difficult time.

“We also condemn the attacks on places of worship following the murder and urge communities to remain calm and come together in solidarity.

“We call upon all people to join us in praying for the victim, his family and for the peace of our cities.”

The Balsall Heath based Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust, a Muslim education group, also condemned the attack in a statement.”We were appalled to hear about the circumstances that led to his death,” said the statement.

“We condemn unreservedly this brutal act of violence which has no justification whatsoever in Islam or any faith.”

“Muslims in this country are steadfast in opposing all forms of hate and terrorism and actions of this sort will not weaken our belief.

* A total of four people including the two men shot by police have now been arrested in connection with the murder of a soldier in Woolwich.

Scotland Yard said a man and a woman, both 29, were held today on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

TRIBUTES TO LEE RIGBY

Drummer Lee Rigby was a “true warrior” who had served with distinction in Afghanistan, colleagues said.

Drummer Rigby, 25, from Crumpsall, Manchester, who served with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died just yards from the Royal Artillery Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, commanding officer of the Second Fusiliers, led tributes to the father-of-one, whom he described as a “dedicated and professional soldier”.

“He was a real character within the Second Fusiliers,” Lt Col Taylor said.

“Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums. An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.

“His ability, talent and personality made him a natural choice to work in the recruiting group. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the Second Fusiliers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Once a Fusilier, Always a Fusilier.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the entire defence community was “shocked and saddened” by the killing of Drummer Rigby.

“This was a senseless murder of a soldier who has served the Army faithfully in a variety of roles, including operational tours in Afghanistan. Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones,” he said.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, said the killing had only reinforced the determination within the armed forces.

“We are absolutely determined not to be intimidated into not doing the right thing, whether it is here in this country or in Afghanistan or wherever we seek to serve the nation,” he said.

Sergeant Barry Ward said Drummer Rigby, known as “Riggers” within his platoon, was “a very bubbly character” and “a loving father” to his two-year-old son Jack.